Solar panels vs generator

To pull together some of the things discussed above:

Originally posted by Nowakgolden We are currently trying to decide between buying a solar panel or a generator. I would like to hear some feedback on what others have experienced.

Tell us where, and how you camp.. Like many things.. not one correct answer, but a "better" answer can be given if we know your needs and expectations.

A lot depends on what you want and where you camp.  Solar needs sun.  If you camp in woods it won't work very well at all, and it won't let you run the air con or the microwave. With enough sun and the right system it will keep your battery topped off.  On the other hand it's quiet, which is very important to some people.  The right generator will top of your battery, let you run your air con and microwave, but they all make a good bit of noise, which can be annoying to you and probably more so to your neighbors.  Also, depending on where you camp, generators can have restrictions on permitted hours of use.  Most of these considerations are matters of personal attitudes and philosophies.

A generator will work just about anywhere, anytime (except quiet hours).  We use a Yamaha 2400ishc, which is about as small as you can go and still run the air con.  You pay a premium for the name, reliability, and quietness for Hondas or Yamahas.  At least the low noise level is worth a lot.

TT